Coverage and status
Nødnett covers 86 % of mainland Norway and nearly 100% of the population. The radio network consists of approximately 2,100 base stations strategically placed based on topography, distance, and coverage from other base stations in the area.
- Nødnett coverage map
- Nødnett's operational status provides information on coverage outages, helping users plan and manage various incidents.
Options for extended coverage
Gateway and repeater
Most vehicle-mounted radios can function as a local base station (Gateway) with limited functionality, either to provide local coverage or to establish a connection to Nødnett.
Transportable base stations
Nødnett has eight transportable base stations (TBS), which can be deployed to provide temporary coverage during prolonged outages or in areas lacking permanent coverage. These base stations are equipped with satellite antennas to connect to the core network and operate independently of other communication infrastructure. Requests for TBS deployment are handled through Nødnett’s operational organizations.
Radio-to-radio communication
If there is no coverage, Nødnett radios can also communicate directly with each other in Direct Mode Operation (DMO). This enables local communication within designated DMO talk groups without connecting to the Nødnett infrastructure. The range depends on terrain, obstacles, and distance. A DMO repeater can extend the communication range by automatically relaying signals between radios that cannot reach each other directly.
Local coverage from certain base stations
Several base stations in Nødnett are programmed to function locally if they lose connection to the main network. In such cases, the base station provides local coverage through Local Site Trunking (LST).
Indoor coverage
Most buildings achieve satisfactory indoor coverage for Nødnett. However, coverage depends on the building’s construction, as well as the distance and direction to the nearest base station. In cases where the external network is insufficient, additional technical solutions—such as repeaters, antennas, or cabling—can be installed.
For temporary indoor coverage, emergency vehicles equipped with gateway functionality may help. Permanent indoor coverage systems require approval from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).
Coverage in tunnels
Approximately 480 road and railway tunnels have been or are planned to be equipped with Nødnett coverage. This can be achieved through a dedicated transmitter at the tunnel entrance or by installing an indoor communication system inside the tunnel. Short tunnels (under 500 meters) typically receive coverage from nearby base stations.
Maritime coverage
Nødnett base stations along the coastline have been upgraded to provide coverage up to 45 nautical miles (83 km) offshore. Coverage at sea varies depending on the location of the base station on land. Future updates to the Nødnett coverage map will include maritime coverage details.
Aerial cover
Nødnett provides dedicated Air-Ground-Air (AGA) coverage for aircraft up to 8,000 feet. Approximately 90 base stations ensure aerial communication for aviation operations.